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The average rating for Bark Painters & Decorators is 4.8, based on 87,869 reviews
5/5
based on 87,869 reviews
Ready to give your home a fresh new look in 2024? Set your budget and find a great local professional with our handy price guide.
Sprucing up your home with a fresh coat of paint or a trendy decor update is a gratifying investment. It breathes new life into your living space, increases property value, and often represents your taste and personality. However, the inviting visuals of a professional painting and decorating job don't come for free - in fact, the cost can vary hugely based on your needs or the professional your choose. So how much are painting and decorating prices really?
In this comprehensive guide to decorating costs in the US, we'll help you budget for your refresh. Whether you're looking to embellish a single room or give your entire house a makeover, we've got you covered.
Understanding the average price of painting and decorating across the US provides a baseline for your project budget. The range hovers between $300 to $800 for a comprehensive job in a single room, taking into account both interior and exterior work. This wide variation is influenced by factors such as the scale of the project, type of paint or decor materials used, and the location of the project site.
| Average cost (per room) | $750 |
| Minimum cost (per room) | $350 |
| Maximum cost (per room) | $1,000 |
The above is a very brief guide to costs - to find the right painting and decorating prices for your home, keep reading.
For interiors, painting can account for a majority of decorating expenses. On a national level, the cost of painting the interior of an entire home ranges from $1,800 (for a medium-sized family apartment) to $3,000 (for something much larger). The price also differs across states - for example, it won't surprise you to hear that painting costs in New York City are higher than in many other regions.
When it comes to the exterior, painting an average American home can cost between $2,400 to $6,000 depending on the surface area, condition of the walls, and any preparation work needed like power washing or scraping old paint.
Decorator's hourly rates are a primary cost component. In general, decorator hourly rates in the US range from $20 to $50 per hour, where the rates are typically lower for painting and increase for niche decorating services.
Basic painting: $25 - $40/hour
Faux finish: $40 - $50/hour
Wallpaper installation: $30 - $40/hour
Stenciling: $25 - $35/hour
Remember, while the cost of basic painting may sound quite cheap, you will need to pay for more than that - the walls will need to be stripped of any wallpaper, cleaned, and primed. And that's without filling any small holes, protecting furniture with covers and covering outlets and light switches with masking tape, and buying the paint or wallpaper. Keep reading to find out how much you're likely to pay per room.
It's essential to gauge how many hours your project will take. For instance, a 10’x12’ room with 8’ ceilings that require one wall color with minimal preparation and no trim or door painting might take 4–6 hours.
| Room size | Average cost |
| Small | $550 - $950 |
| Medium | $700 - $1,550 |
| Large | $1,000 - $1,950 |
Some decorators may prefer to quote daily rates, especially if the project spans several days. The daily rates can range from $200 to $600, with substantial savings for longer projects compared to hourly rates.
Daily rates are a more practical option for larger projects that require multiple coats, intricate designs, or extensive preparation. They provide a fixed rate that helps in better budgeting.
The variability in costs can be dizzying, yet breaking down the factors influencing them can offer clarity and strategic oversight.
Material costs
Labor intensity
Timeframe restrictions
Preparation and cleanup services
Different states can see big variations in prices. Here's a taster of the difference in decorating costs across the US:
California: $3,500 - $4,800 for a 2,500 sq ft home interior
Texas: $2,500 - $3,500 for the interior of a similar sized home
New York: $3,800 - $7,000 for the interior of a similar sized home
Some home improvement projects command higher prices due to specialized skill sets and premium materials. These could include:
| Job | Price range |
| Door painting (per door) | $15 - $25 |
| Ceiling painting (per ceiling) | $150 - $350 |
| Texture painting (per wall) | $50 - $200 |
| Wallpapering (12’x16’ room) | $550 - $1,500 |
| Faux finish (per room) | $1,100 - $4,000 |
| Murals | $1,000+ |
Average wallpaper installation can cost between $550 and $1,500 for a 12’x16’ room, which includes $3 to $10 per square foot for the wallpaper itself.
Faux finish painting means creating the illusion of texture and depth (such as a marble effect) using only paint. This decorative and specialized painting technique can cost from $1,100 to $4,000 per room, primarily due to the time and skill required.
For truly bespoke designs, expect to pay between $1,000 and $10,000 depending on the scale and complexity of the design.
Smart cost-saving decisions can reduce the financial strain of painting and decorating your home. Here are some proven strategies:
Knowing your limitations and skills can save you from costly do-overs. Simple painting tasks can be DIY, whereas decor techniques are best left to professionals.
Requesting quotes from multiple decorators (which Bark does for free!) helps you evaluate the best price for service and materials without compromising quality.
Buying paint and materials in bulk can result in discounts, especially if you're tackling multiple rooms or both interior and exterior at once.
Off-season or slow business periods for decorators can lead to lower prices and better availability for your project.
Lastly, your choice of decorator significantly impacts your project’s cost. While higher rates typically indicate experience and quality, this is not always the case.
Prioritize decorators with relevant licenses, insurance, and positive customer reviews. A slightly higher rate may be worth the peace of mind and superior workmanship.
Don’t shy away from negotiating rates, especially if you have multiple rooms or plan to use the decorator for repeat work. Ensure your contract is clear on all costs to avoid surprises.
Some decorators offer financing options or payment plans, which can make high quality work more affordable over time.
In the realm of home improvement, painting and decorating can be a transformative choice that lets you express yourself. By demystifying the cost structure, we hope we've helped you make informed, budget-conscious decisions that turn your home into a personalized masterpiece.
So, get those paint swatches, choose those wall coverings, and find a brilliant local painter and decorator today (for free!)
The average rating for Bark Painters & Decorators is 4.8, based on 87,869 reviews
5/5
based on 87,869 reviews
